A tug-of war apparatus

ABSTRACT

A Tug-of-war apparatus for competition and training including at least one frame section supporting a horizontal movable surface including a continuous running belt mounted between rollers on the frame section; at least one stationary upright support means attached to the front of the frame section; at least one pulling rope extending substantially horizontally from the stationary support means; weighing means for determining the weight of the users on the movable surface; and means for determining the distance the movable surface has moved. One of the rollers includes a drive shaft.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage of International Application No.PCT/IB2014/000425 filed Mar. 26, 2014, which claims the benefit of GreatBritain Patent Application No. 1305532.2, filed Mar. 26, 2013.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game of Tug-of-war is an ancient sporting activity that pits thestrength and endurance of one opponent against another. The opponentscan be individuals, teams, or any combination thereof.

The rules of the game are relatively simple. Two teams pull on oppositeends of a rope in opposing directions. A marker of some sort, such as aflag or coloured tape, is placed on the rope approximately halfwaybetween the two teams. The object is for one team to pull the rope sothat the marker moves over some designated point some distance away fromthe starting point. Typically the contestants are only allowed to movethe rope by moving their feet. Once the marker has been moved beyond thedesignated point, the contest is over.

Tug-of-war is growing in popularity. The International Olympic Committeehas recently granted recognition to the Tug-of-war InternationalFederation (TWIF) making the organization eligible to join theAssociation of Recognized International Competition. There aresanctioned teams and tournaments throughout the world and annual worldchampionship events. In recent years indoor Tug-of-war had become verypopular and is pulled at national and international levels.

There is however a need to provide improvements in the way the sport ispractised and played both at leisure and competition level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for tug of warcompetitions and training comprising;

-   at least one frame section supporting a horizontal movable surface    comprising a continuous running belt mounted between rollers on the    frame section;-   at least one stationary upright support means attached to the front    of the frame section;-   at least one pulling rope extending substantially horizontally from    the stationary support means;-   weighing means for determining the weight of the users on the    movable surface; and means for determining the distance the movable    surface has moved.

In one embodiment of the invention one of the rollers comprises a driveshaft.

In one embodiment of the invention a digital tachometer is connected tothe drive shaft to determine the distance the movable surface has moved.

In one embodiment of the invention the frame section comprises a solidunder-belt support directly beneath the movable surface to support theusers on the movable surface. Preferably the weighing means are attachedto the under-belt support. Most preferably the apparatus is capable ofsupporting up to 8 users at any one time.

In one embodiment of the invention the stationary upright support meanscomprises adjustment means for adjusting the height of the pulling rope.

In one embodiment of the invention the movable surface moves in aforward direction as the user on the movable surface moves backwardsholding onto the pulling rope.

In another embodiment of the invention the stationary upright supportmeans comprises a recording and communication device and display means,the recording device comprising means for inputting and storing data, afingerprint scanner, means for recording and confirming the identity ofthe users wherein the recorded information is displayed on the displaymeans.

In one embodiment of the invention the weighing means communicates theweight of the users to the recording and communication device.

In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises a competitionmode and a training mode. Preferably in competition mode the drive shafton a roller supporting one movable surface is connected to the driveshaft on a roller supporting a second movable surface, wherein oneTug-of-war team stands on one movable surface and the opposing teamstands on the second movable surface. Most preferably the drive shaftsare connected by means of a hydraulic system and/or a crown and piniondevice. Preferably when one of the movable surfaces moves in a forwarddirection the other movable surface moves in a backward direction.

In one embodiment of the invention the frame section and the movablesurface comprise markings to indicate the starting position anddetermine the distance the running belt has moved.

In another embodiment of the invention for training mode a resistance isapplied to impair the rotation of the drive shaft on the rollersupporting the movable surface.

In one embodiment of the invention the recording means records theperformance of the users in training and compares the performance withthe effort relative to a predetermined standard of reference.

In one embodiment of the invention the continuous running belt comprisesa non-slip resistance surface.

In one embodiment of the invention the frame section comprises severaldetachable sections which may be dismantled for transport and storage.Preferably the frame section is up to approximately 32 foot (9.75 m) inlength for a Tug-of-war competition.

In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises an uppersupport means to support a user on the movable surface wherein the uppersupport means extends from the stationary support means above themovable surface, the upper support means comprising means for the userto hold onto or a harness to support the user.

According to the invention there is also provided an apparatuscomprising a detachable pulling rope for use as a running machine for upto 8 users at one time.

In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises acommunication means between apparatus' in different locations whereinthe pulling force of the users on one apparatus results in a counterpulling force being applied by the users on a second apparatus so that atug-of-war competition or training practice may be carried out betweenathletes located remotely from each other. Preferably the communicationmeans is connected to the drive shaft on the apparatus.

According to the invention there is also provided a method for holding aTug-of-war competition comprising an apparatus as claimed in anypreceding claim wherein the drive shaft on one of the rollers supportingone movable surface is connected to the drive shaft on one of therollers supporting a second movable surface, one Tug-of-war team standson one movable surface and the opposing team stands on the other movablesurface and as the contestants pull on the pulling rope the movablesurface of the winning team moves in a forward direction causing themovable surface of the losing team to move in a backward direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more clearly understood from the followingdescription thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the apparatus according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view from the front of the apparatusaccording to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view from the front of two apparatus' ofthe invention connected together;

FIG. 4 is a front view of two apparatus' of the invention connectedtogether;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the apparatus according to FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an apparatus according to another embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the apparatus according to twoapparatus' of the invention connected together; and

FIG. 8 is a side view of an apparatus according to a further embodimentof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Tug-of-war and rowing have been said to be the two fittest sports in theworld. It is a fabulous team sport. Tug-of-war requires a high level offitness and is not necessarily dependent on weight. Participants,contestants or pullers as they are commonly known, in the sport of tugof war, need to be both mentally and physically fit. It is a sport whichadds to a person's well-being and sets them up for future life inbusiness or otherwise. Tug of war training requires a high level offitness. It is a contact sport in that the athlete is in contact withthe puling rope yet there is no body contact with the other competitors.As a result tug-of-war is a sport that when played correctly rarelyresults in injuries.

Tug-of-war is a unisex sport pulled by both boys and girls from the agesof 12 years to the age of 70 years old. In China Tug-of-war for the kidsis part of their curriculum in schools. China has over 5000 Tug-of-warteams. Interestingly there is very little obesity in China.

The present invention provides an apparatus for both training forTug-of-war and for holding Tug-of-war competitions. In particular itprovides an apparatus which improves and enhances the sport ofTug-of-war. It provides an apparatus on which Tug-of-war competitionscan be held which will improve and enhance the regulation andadjudication of Tug-of-war.

Currently there are a number of problems that prevent the sport fromwider participation. One is that a relatively large space is requiredfor carrying out tug-of-war training and/or competition. Incompetitions, opposing teams usually consist of up to eight members andthe rope used is 150 feet (36.5 meters) long. Another problem is theweather dependency of the sport. Although it can be played in wetconditions, it is difficult, and in extreme cold or snowy conditions,play may not be possible at all. The ground needs to be level and properfor pulling.

The apparatus of the present invention allows the sport of Tug-of-war tobe more accessible to everyone as the size of the area required forTug-of-war to be pulled using the apparatus of the present invention issignificantly reduced. Currently in order to hold an indoor Tug-of-warcompetition you need to have a large room or hall. The space needs to beat least 130 foot (40 meters) long and 40 foot (12 meters) wide. Usingthe apparatus of the present invention the amount of space needed for aTug-of-war competition is reduced to less than one quarter the currentrequirement. Using the apparatus a Tug-of-war competition involving twoteams of 8 contestants or pullers may be played in an area ofapproximately 40 foot (12 meters) by 20 foot (6 meters).

The apparatus of the present invention effectively eliminates the needfor a large area in which to practice or compete in Tug-of-war. Usingthe apparatus of the present invention a full competition may be playedin an area significantly smaller than the area currently required. Inaddition the apparatus of the present invention allows a competition tobe held between opposing teams who are in different locations to oneanother. This means that the sport of Tug-of-war can be more accessibleand opened up to a lot more people. The game of Tug-of-war may be pulledin any size establishment from sports halls in colleges, communitycentres and schools. The apparatus of the invention is suitable for bothadults and children

In a time when obesity is a topical subject the exercise apparatus ofthe present invention provides a number of exercise possibilities. Itprovides an alternative sporting activity to sports such as football,hurling, rugby etc. Tug-of-war athletes require a high level of fitness.The apparatus provides people who are not as interested in sports suchas contact sports with the opportunity to try a different sport.

As shown in FIG. 1 the apparatus 1 of the invention comprises ahorizontal movable surface 2, a pulling rope 3 and means for determiningthe movement of the movable surface 2. The apparatus 1 comprises a framesection 4 which surrounds and supports the movable surface 2. Astationary upright support means 5 attached at the front of the framesection 4 supports the pulling rope 3, a display means 6 and any otherrecording and communication means. The recording and communication meansallow data to be received, inputted, recorded and communicated to thedisplay means as required.

The movable surface 2 comprises a continuous running belt 7. Thecontinuous running belt 7 rotates around two rollers, one roller 8 atthe front of the frame section 4 and the other roller 9 to the rear ofthe frame section 4. One of the rollers is connected to a drive shaftvia a drive chain. The drive shaft is preferably connected to the roller9 at the rear of the movable surface 2. This ensures that the runningbelt is kept sufficiently tightened when the users/pullers are pushingthe belt forward as they hold onto the pulling rope 3. The drive shaftis mounted between two shaft bearings and can be driven either clockwiseor counter clockwise by a two way hydraulic pump and motor 11. The driveshaft has a hydraulic lock to prevent it from rotating in eitherdirection. A roller tension device 12 ensures the running belt 7 is keptcorrectly tightened. The roller tension device 12 is preferably locatedon the roller 8 to the front of the apparatus 1. The continuous runningbelt 7 is very similar to the rubber mats conventionally used in pullingTug-of-war. The running belt must be robust enough to sustain pulling ofTug-of-war yet also be suitable for fitting and rotating smoothly aroundthe rollers 8, 9. The belt is preferably a sliding belt. It ispreferably manufactured from pure rubber with a high resistance non-slipsurface. The rubber mat may be of any suitable thickness. A minimumthickness of 3.5 mm up to a thickness of approximately 10 mm ispreferably used. The width of the belt and the frame section 4 of theapparatus 1 is dependent on the required use of the apparatus. When usedby adults the belt is preferably approximately 900 mm wide. However thesize, length and width of the belt may be varied. Any suitable means maybe used for rotating the continuous running belt around the rollers.

A digital tachometer on the drive shaft displays the number of rotationsof the drive shaft or the RPM. This is used to calculate and display thedistance the running belt 7 has travelled, which is a very importantfactor in Tug-of-war competitions. A pressure sensor with a display unitis mounted on the hydraulic piping. The hydraulic pump is used to resistthe rotation of the drive shaft. This resistance may be easily adjusted.The oil is sucked out of a reservoir by the pump and returned to thereservoir, after the work is done, through a filter. The hydraulic motorand pump 11 operate the rollers 8, 9 when the apparatus is used fortraining and there is no opposing team to pull against. A control valvemay be set to the desired pulling weight for training purposes. When theapparatus 1 is used for competitions and two machines are connected toone another it is the contestants and their pulling power which rotatesthe running belt 7 either clockwise or anti-clockwise around the rollers8, 9.

Directly beneath the continuous running belt 7 is a solid under beltsupport or plate 13 which supports the continuous running belt 7 and theuser(s)/contestants standing on the continuous running belt 7. The underbelt plate 13 is preferably made of sheet aluminum or any other suitablematerial capable of supporting a weight of up to approximately 1200 kg.The running belt 7 is a sliding belt which sits and moves easily acrossthe under belt support plate 13.

A weight sensor or plurality of weight sensors 14 are located beneaththe running belt 7 attached to the under-belt plate 13. The weightsensors may be a load cell/load button or any other suitable weighingmeans located under the running belt. The load sensors register the loador weight applied on the running belt 7. The weight sensors 14 determinethe weight of the user (s) or contestants and automatically communicatethe weight to a recording means which displays the weight of theindividual user or team on the display monitor 6.

The pulling rope 3 is detachably attached to the stationary supportmeans 5 by any suitable means. The pulling rope 3 extends substantiallyhorizontally from the stationary support means 5. The support means 5comprises adjustment means so that the height of the pulling rope 3 maybe easily adjusted to accommodate adults or children. The pulling ropeis the same rope as is conventionally used for the game of Tug-of-war. Asmaller pulling rope may be used when the apparatus is used by children.

In a Tug-of-war competition two frame sections 4 supporting two movablesurfaces 2 are connected together as shown in FIG. 3. The angle and/ordistance between the two movable surfaces 2 may be varied to suit thelocation and to provide the best viewing for the public. A connectionmeans 15 holds the two machines in position. Opposing teams stand oneither movable surface 2. Each team may have up to 8 members standing onthe movable surface 2.

In competition mode the drive shaft is free to rotate in eitherdirection. It is the teams alone that force the running belt 7 aroundthe rollers 8, 9, as they pull against each other.

The drive shaft on one of the rollers supporting each movable surface 2is connected using a hydraulic motor and pump with a flexible hydraulicpipe connection. The hydraulic pipe connection 16 between the two framesections allows flexibility on the positioning of the apparatus.Depending on the venue the two teams standing on the two movablesurfaces may be placed in the best position both for the viewing publicand for the referee adjudicating the match. So long as the drive shafton the two movable surfaces are connected via the flexible hydraulicpipe 16 connection there is flexibility in where the two frame sections4 supporting the movable surfaces 2 may be placed. Using the apparatusof the invention a Tug-of-war competition is no longer limited to twoteams pulling at either end of a long pulling rope.

The running belt 7 is run in a forward position with the pullers pushingthe belt as they do on a stationary tug of war mat causing the back 9and front roller 8 to move forward in a clockwise direction. Thecontestants or pullers pull on the pulling rope 3 pushing the runningbelt 7 forward with their feet. When the running belt 7 on one movablesurface is being pushed forward by the pullers the running belt 7 on theother moving surface is moving backwards. The team pushing the runningbelt 7 forward in a clockwise direction around the rollers is thewinning team. The belt 7 is going in an anticlockwise direction on thelosing team's apparatus.

The drive shaft between two apparatus 1 may alternatively comprise acrown and pinion mechanism. The crown and pinion would be located in thecentre between the drive shaft on the rollers on each apparatus.

The digital tachometer on the drive shaft displays the number ofrotations of the shaft or the RPM calculating and displaying thedistance the running belt 7 has travelled. The digital tachometercommunicates the distance to the display means 6 so that it is easy forthe viewing public, contestants and the referee to monitor the progressof a pull and see when a winning pull has been made. As the pullprogresses the display means 6 displays the distance the belt has moved,either positively for the team that is winning or negatively for theteam that is losing. The display means allows the teams, referee andviewing public to know at all times who is winning or losing. A pull isapproximately 4 meters long and whichever team reaches the 4 meter markfirst will sound a bell on the apparatus to alert that the pull iscompleted.

In addition to the distance of the running belt or movable surface beingmeasured by the tachometer, the top of each running belt 7 and the sideof the frame section 4 are marked with a starting point marking. Whenthe marks on each frame section 4 is aligned with the staring mark onthe running belt 7 the referee can signal for a pull to begin. Once apull is completed the starting point markings on the top of each belt 7and the side of the frame section 4 are realigned automatically readyfor the next pull.

The apparatus of the present invention facilitates a much moretransparent competing environment which will promote fair play.

Upon mounting the running belt 7 on the apparatus the weight of the teamis automatically calculated and recorded by the load cell/button. Thisinformation is then communicated to the display means 6 for all to seethe recorded team weight. If the team exceed the required weight theywill be disqualified. Conventionally team members are all weighedindividually which can take a lot of time. One pull in a Tug-of-warcompetition may involve up to 16 contestants who all need to beindividually weighed before pulls. Using the apparatus of the presentinvention the task of “weighing in” is completed quickly and simply thussignificantly cutting down on the preparation time before a Tug-of-warcompetition can begin.

A computer and specifically developed software is used to input datasuch as the team name and score as well as to act as an interfacebetween the various sensors on the apparatus 1 and the main displayscreen 6.

A fingerprint scanning device may also be used to record and determinethe identity of the contestants in a competition. The identity ofpullers can sometimes be confused and unauthorised pullers may take theplace of other pullers during a competition. It is very hard for areferee to keep a monitor on all the elements when dealing with up to 16contestants in a single match. Using the apparatus of the invention eachmember of a team inserts their finger in the fingerprint analyser beforemounting the running belt. This removes any chance of cheating by teamsunfairly swapping one person for another. Any unauthorised changes inthe pullers on the teams is immediately detected and prevented.

The display means 6 can display all the relevant information required ina competition such as

-   -   the team name with team colours,    -   the teams' accumulated score over the season to date,    -   the team weight    -   the weight being pulled/pushed if in training mode    -   An alert for the pull to begin    -   A live display indicating the teams progress during each pull    -   The speed the belt is moving at    -   An alert that the pull is over

For training purposes the apparatus 1 of the invention is used intraining mode. In conventional training systems for tug of warresistance training, weights are attached to a rope and looped around aseries of pulleys. Using the apparatus of the present invention there isno need for weights. In training mode a resistance is applied to impairthe rotation of the drive shaft. The resistance is provided by thehydraulic pump and motor 11. The pressure applied by the pumpcorresponds to a weight being pulled. Therefore the weight being pulledcan be altered simply be adjusting the pressure. In this way a singleuser or up to 8 users may stand on the running belt 7 and the resistanceset to a required counter weight. The users pull on the pulling rope 3moving the running belt forward and the digital tachometer on the driveshaft displays the number of rotations of the shaft or the RPM. This isused to calculate and display the distance the belt 7 has travelled.

During training the display means 6 can display all the relevantinformation required in training such as the counter weight beingapplied.

For training purposes only one movable surface 2 is required. Thereforein places where space is limited two frame sections are not requirednecessarily until competition time.

In addition the apparatus of the present invention may havecommunication means for linking two separate apparatus in differentlocations. Any suitable communication means connected to the drive shaftof each apparatus will allow remote communication between two machines.The pulling force of the users on one apparatus results in a counterpulling force being applied by the users on a second apparatus so that atug-of-war competition or training practice may be carried out betweenathletes located remotely from each other. Such a system would mean thatteams do not necessarily have to travel to compete against each other.

The apparatus 1 of the present invention may be used both indoors andoutdoors. It is a mobile machine. The apparatus allows the game ofTug-of-war to be less weather dependent when held outdoors as theapparatus may be simply assembled when required in an outdoor area.

The frame section and under belt plate may be manufactured in sectionsso that it may be disassembled and reassembled as required fortransportation and/or storage. The apparatus may be very easilydismantled and brought through small doors and into small areas beforebeing re-assembled. Castor assemblies may be removably attached to thebase of the frame section 4 to allow the apparatus to be easily movedinto position.

The frame section and under belt plate are manufactured in sections andassembled on site. For competition Tug-of-war and to cater for up to 8contestants standing on the movable surface the frame section isapproximately 32 foot (10 meters) in length, made up from four 8 foot(2.5 meters) sections. The apparatus may alternatively be used as asmaller version if required. For example two 8 foot sections may besimply assembled together. In this instance running belts of varyinglength to suit the size of the frame section are supplied.

Using the apparatus of the present invention will revolutionise the gameof Tug-of-war. There is a huge onus on the referee during the game thatall competitors are participating within the rules. Referees will nolonger have the nightmare of judging a tug of war competition as bothteams can be pulling alongside each other rather than opposite eachother. For the viewing public the apparatus of the invention will makeit easier to see the action. Referees will have no problem in weighingin teams before the competition and having to stamp team membersindividually as they are weighed and identified.

The apparatus of the invention integrates and combines in one machineall the requirements for holding a Tug-of-war competition. It savesvaluable time and means that a large competition can be run moreefficiently over a shorter period. Most importantly the apparatus of theinvention allows a Tug-of-war competition to be pulled in a smallervenue than is currently possible.

The apparatus of the present invention has several other potentialapplications.

The apparatus is not limited to Tug-of-war training or competitions. Byapplying resistance in the opposite direction the pushing motion can beopposed. By inserting fixed pads above the belt, athletes can pushagainst the pads with the resistance set to a specific weight, again byadjusting the pressure in the hydraulic system. This type of trainingwould be extremely useful for sports such as rugby and Americanfootball.

The apparatus may have an upper support means 20 which runs along thelength of the running belt as shown in more detail in FIGS. 6 to 8. Theupper support means 20 is supported above the running belt 7 and extendsfrom the stationary support means. The upper support means 20 maycomprise a plurality of holding bars or harnesses 21 forholding/attaching to. For safety and training of younger children and/orpeople who require additional support they may be harnessed andsupported by the upper support means 20 on the running belt 7 to trainthe person the correct position of pulling and/or for support whilesimply running on the running belt 7.

The apparatus may be used as a running machine for up to 8 people at anyone given time. In this instance the pulling rope may be removed and theusers simply hold on to holding bars 21 on the upper support means 20 asshown in particular in FIG. 8

Any suitable material may be used in the manufacture of the machine. Themain requirement is that the material is strong, durable and capable ofwithstanding the weight of contestants.

All moving parts of the machine of the present invention have a durablecoating to protect the operating parts/mechanics from weathering andvandalism.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments herein before describedwhich may be varied in detail.

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A Tug-of-war apparatus for competition and trainingcomprising; at least one frame section supporting a horizontal movablesurface comprising a continuous running belt mounted between rollers onthe frame section; at least one stationary upright support meansattached to the front of the frame section; at least one pulling ropeextending substantially horizontally from the stationary support means;weighing means for determining the weight of the users on the movablesurface; and means for determining the distance the movable surface hasmoved; wherein the frame section comprises a solid under-belt supportdirectly beneath the movable surface to support the users on the movablesurface and the apparatus is capable of supporting up to 8 users at anyone time.
 27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein one of therollers comprises a drive shaft.
 28. An apparatus as claimed in claim27, comprising a digital tachometer connected to the drive shaft todetermine the distance the movable surface has moved.
 29. An apparatusas claimed claim 26, wherein the weighing means are attached to theunder-belt support.
 30. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein thestationary upright support means comprises adjustment means foradjusting the height of the pulling rope.
 31. An apparatus as claimed inclaim 26, wherein the movable surface moves in a forward direction asthe user on the movable surface moves backwards holding onto the pullingrope.
 32. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the stationaryupright support means comprises a recording and communication device anddisplay means, the recording device comprising means for inputting andstoring data, a fingerprint scanner, means for recording and confirmingthe identity of the users wherein the recorded information is displayedon the display means.
 33. An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, whereinthe weighing means communicates the weight of the users to the recordingand communication device.
 34. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26,wherein the apparatus comprises a competition mode and a training mode.35. An apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein in competition mode thedrive shaft on a roller supporting one movable surface is connected tothe drive shaft on a roller supporting a second movable surface, whereinone Tug-of-war team stands on one movable surface and the opposing teamstands on the second movable surface.
 36. An apparatus as claimed inclaim 35, wherein the drive shafts are connected by means of a hydraulicsystem and/or a crown and pinion mechanism.
 37. An apparatus as claimedin claim 36, wherein when one of the movable surfaces moves in a forwarddirection the other movable surface moves in a backward direction. 38.An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the frame section and themovable surface comprise markings to indicate the starting position anddetermine the distance the running belt has moved.
 39. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 38, wherein for training mode a resistance is appliedto impair the rotation of the drive shaft on the roller supporting themovable surface and wherein the recording means records the performanceof the users in training and compares the performance with the effortrelative to a predetermined standard of reference.
 40. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 26, wherein the continuous running belt comprises anon-slip resistance surface.
 41. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26,wherein the frame section comprises several detachable sections whichmay be dismantled for transport and storage.
 42. An apparatus as claimedin claim 26, comprising an upper support means to support a user on themovable surface wherein the upper support means extends from thestationary support means above the movable surface, the upper supportmeans comprising means for the user to hold onto or a harness to supportthe user.
 43. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, comprising acommunication means between apparatus' in different locations whereinthe pulling force of the users on one apparatus results in a counterpulling force being applied by the users on a second apparatus so that atug-of-war competition or training practice may be carried out betweenathletes located remotely from each other.
 44. An apparatus as claimedin claim 43, wherein the communication means is connected to the driveshaft on the apparatus.
 45. A method for holding a Tug-of-warcompetition comprising an apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein thedrive shaft on one of the rollers supporting one movable surface isconnected to the drive shaft on one of the rollers supporting a secondmovable surface, one Tug-of-war team stands on one movable surface andthe opposing team stands on the other movable surface and as thecontestants pull on the pulling rope the movable surface of the winningteam moves in a forward direction causing the movable surface of thelosing team to move in a backward direction.